Chronicle of the 70s

For a while, neither side would budge. The Ge Family didn’t want to divorce, but Li Erfu insisted on it.

Granny Ge absolutely refused to concede, and smacking Ge Sanmei several times did not make the Li Family relent. Finally, Granny Ge’s eyes swiveled and she said, "Since the Li Family insists on divorcing, then pay some money for it, otherwise this will never end!"

Li Erfu chuckled coldly, his smile full of icy shards, "Alright, if it’s about compensation, then Ge Sanmei should take care of herself in her old age, she shouldn’t dream of getting any benefit from the three sons!"

Upon hearing this, Ge Sanmei immediately lost her temper, "Why the hell? Li Erfu, do you have no conscience? Did a dog eat your heart? You won’t let me raise the children I bore and take care of me in old age; why don’t you just die!"

Li Erfu turned his head and looked at her coldly, then surveying everyone around he said, "You all see? This woman wishes for my death every day; why would I still want her?"

Then turning to Ge Sanmei he said, "Originally, I thought after our divorce, you could stay in this yard, live with eldest and second sons, and they would take care of you in your old age. Now you want compensation too? Then just roll back to your parental home and see which of your family will take care of you!"

After finishing, Li Erfu leaned against the Kang (traditional Chinese bed) silently, lit a cigarette, and began smoking fiercely.

Ge Sanmei panicked for a moment, thinking, "If I take the money and go back to my parental home, what then? I might have the support of my mother and oldest brother now, but that’s only because I’m useful. If I return alone, as an old woman, the money will be taken away, and I’d need to exhaust myself serving the whole family."

Realizing this, Ge Sanmei understood she couldn’t resolve this her way today. Perhaps it’s better to go along with what that bastard Li Erfu wants: live with her oldest and second sons. The eldest works well; she would take care of her grandson while her son and daughter-in-law worked the fields, and they would support the second son’s education. Once the second son made something of himself, she could move to the city to live with his family. At this thought, Ge Sanmei suddenly smiled.